Gianni Infantino Will Stand for Re-Election Despite Calls to Resign

FIFA has confirmed that Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election as its president in March 2027, despite recent calls for him to resign.

The organisation said Infantino’s plans remained unchanged following mounting criticism of his leadership and the collapse of a proposal to sell a stake in FIFA competitions to private investors.

A FIFA spokesperson said: “Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election.”

It was a concise response to several weeks during which quite a lot had changed.

Infantino faced opposition from senior football officials across Europe, Asia and North America after attempting to attract private investment into tournaments controlled by FIFA, including the World Cup.

The proposal was eventually abandoned following widespread concern about its structure, value and potential effect on the governance of international football.

Infantino, however, has declined to follow it.

The 56-year-old was first elected FIFA president in 2016 before being returned unopposed in 2019 and 2023. Victory next year would allow him to remain in office until 2031.

The election will take place at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March. Prospective opponents have until 18 November to declare their candidacy.

No challenger has formally entered the race, although UEFA officials are understood to be discussing support for an alternative candidate.

FIFA’s president is elected by its 211 member associations, with each national federation receiving one vote. Infantino continues to possess considerable support outside Europe, making the existence of criticism less important than whether anybody can convert it into a majority.

For now, those demanding his departure have produced several statements and no opposing candidate.

Infantino has responded to a period in which football authorities asked him to leave by preparing to remain for another four years.